Scientific Details

Taxonomy

General Description

Dull white colour, a hood over the eyes and base of the anntennae, short broad hind walking legs. Up to 3.5 mm long.

Biology

The family Phoxocephalidae is exceptionally diverse in southern Australia with over 100 species described. All inhabit the surface of sandy and muddy sediments where they are mobile diggers feeding on organic matter. Males have larger eyes and better sensory hairs and are active swimmers in search of mates at night. Microscopic differences in the shapes of the legs and patterns of hairs distinguish the species from others in the genus.